Professional Development Resources

Why Your Resume Matters

Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. It's your marketing document—a snapshot of your skills, experiences, and accomplishments that shows why you're the right fit for the job.

Resume Fundamentals

Format & Structure

• Length: One page for undergraduates and early-career professionals
• Font: Professional fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman (10-12pt)
• Margins: 0.5" to 1" on all sides
• File Format: Always save and send as PDF to preserve formatting
• File Name: FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf

Essential Sections (In Order)

1. Contact Information
2. Education
3. Experience
4. Skills
5. Leadership & Activities (Optional but recommended)

Writing Powerful Experience Bullets

The Formula: Action Verb + Task + Result (Quantified When Possible)

Power Action Verbs by Category

Resume Examples by Major

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) Optimization

Many companies use ATS software to scan resumes. To ensure yours makes it through:

• Use standard section headings (Education, Experience, Skills)
• Avoid headers, footers, tables, and text boxes
• Use standard fonts and avoid graphics/logos
• Save as PDF to preserve formatting
• Include exact keyword phrases from job description
• Spell out acronyms first time used

Final Checklist Before Submitting

• Contact information is correct and professional
• No typos, grammatical errors, or formatting inconsistencies
• Every bullet point starts with an action verb
• Accomplishments are quantified with numbers/metrics where possible
• Content is tailored to the specific job/company
• File is saved as PDF with proper naming convention
• Resume is exactly one page
• Someone else has reviewed it for feedback

Why Cover Letters Still Matter

While many think cover letters are outdated, they remain crucial for:

• Showing genuine interest in the specific role and company
• Explaining career transitions or gaps in your resume
• Demonstrating your communication skills and personality
• Providing context for your experiences and accomplishments
• Standing out when employers receive hundreds of similar resumes

Cover Letter Structure

1. Header (Your Contact Information)

Match your resume header exactly for consistency

2. Salutation

Best: "Dear [Hiring Manager Name]," (when you know their name)

Good: "Dear Hiring Manager," or "Dear [Department] Team,"

Avoid: "To Whom It May Concern"

3. Opening Paragraph: The Hook

Include:

• The specific position you're applying for
• How you found the opportunity
• An engaging opening that shows enthusiasm
• A brief statement on why you're a strong fit

4. Body Paragraphs (1-2 paragraphs)

Paragraph 1: Why You're Qualified

• Highlight 2-3 relevant experiences or accomplishments
• Provide specific examples with results/metrics
• Connect your background to job requirements

Paragraph 2: Why This Company

• Demonstrate you've researched the company
• Explain why you're excited about THIS specific company
• Reference recent company news, initiatives, or culture

5. Closing Paragraph

• Express enthusiasm about the opportunity
• Mention that you're available for an interview
• Thank them for their consideration

Complete Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Dos and Don'ts

When to Send a Cover Letter

Cover Letter Checklist

• Header matches your resume exactly
• Letter is addressed to specific person (when possible)
• Opening paragraph grabs attention and states position
• Body paragraphs provide specific examples with results
• You've explained why THIS company excites you
• Closing paragraph includes call to action
• Letter is exactly one page
• No typos or grammatical errors
• Letter is customized (not generic template)
• Saved as PDF with proper naming

Why LinkedIn Matters

LinkedIn is more than just an online resume—it's your professional brand, networking platform, and job search tool all in one.

8 Essential Profile Elements

1. Professional Photo

2. Headline (120 Characters)

Formula: Major/Position + School + Key Skills + Career Interest

3. About Section

Structure:

1. Hook: Start with something memorable
2. Who you are: Current status, interests
3. What you've done: Key accomplishments
4. What you're looking for: Career goals
5. Call to action: Invite connections

4. Experience Section

• 3-5 bullet points per position
• Use action verbs and metrics
• Add media (presentations, projects)
• Tag companies

5. Education Section

• Include GPA (if 3.0+)
• List relevant coursework
• Add honors and awards
• Include activities and organizations

6. Skills & Endorsements

Add 20-50 skills, prioritize top 3

7. Recommendations

Aim for 3-5 recommendations from:

• Professors
• Internship supervisors
• Colleagues from projects
• Club advisors

8. Engagement

Post 1-2 times per week:

• Professional accomplishments
• Industry insights
• Learning experiences
• Project showcases

LinkedIn Profile Checklist

• Professional headshot photo uploaded
• Custom background banner added
• Compelling headline (not just "Student")
• About section tells your story
• All experiences listed with accomplishments
• Education section fully completed
• At least 20 relevant skills added
• At least 3 recommendations
• Custom LinkedIn URL created
• "Open to Work" turned on (if job searching)

Email Best Practices

• Subject Line: Clear, specific, professional
• Body: Keep concise (under 200 words when possible)
• Closing: Professional sign-off with full contact info
• Proofread: Read aloud before sending

Template 1: Cold Outreach / Informational Interview

Template 2: Following Up After Career Fair

Template 3: Thank You After Interview

Template 4: Following Up on Application

Email Checklist

• Subject line is clear and professional
• Recipient's name spelled correctly
• No typos or grammatical errors
• Tone is professional but friendly
• Email is under 200 words
• Contact information in signature
• Attachments are actually attached

The STAR Method

The most effective framework for answering behavioral interview questions

Common Interview Questions

"Tell me about yourself"

Structure: Present (current status) → Past (experience) → Future (why this role)

"Why do you want to work here?"

• Show you've researched the company
• Connect their mission to your interests
• Reference specific programs or initiatives

"What's your greatest weakness?"

• Choose a real weakness
• Explain how you're working to improve
• Show progress you've made

"Tell me about a time you failed"

• Choose a real failure
• Take ownership
• Focus on what you learned

Questions YOU Should Ask

About the Role:

• "What does a typical day look like?"
• "What are the biggest priorities in the first 90 days?"
• "How do you measure success in this position?"

About the Team:

• "Can you tell me about the team I'd work with?"
• "What's your management style?"
• "What do you enjoy most about working here?"

Interview Preparation Timeline

1 Week Before:

• Research company thoroughly
• Review job description
• Prepare STAR stories
• Choose interview outfit

Day Of:

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early
• Turn off phone
• Bring extra resumes
• Take deep breaths

After:

• Send thank you email within 24 hours
• Note what went well
• Continue applying elsewhere

Virtual Interview Best Practices

• Test video/audio 30 minutes before
• Use plain background
• Good lighting (face camera)
• Look at camera when speaking
• Dress professionally head-to-toe

Interview Checklist

• Professional outfit ready
• Extra resumes printed
• Questions to ask prepared
• Directions confirmed
• Phone silenced
• Confident mindset

General Job Boards

College Student Focused

Finance & Accounting

Technology

Remote Work

Job Search Strategy

Why Professional Dress Matters

Your appearance affects how others perceive your professionalism, competence, and attention to detail. Dressing appropriately shows respect for the company culture.

Business Professional

When to Wear: Interviews (especially finance, law, consulting), formal business meetings, conservative company career fairs

Business Casual

When to Wear: Most office environments, networking events, some career fairs

Smart Casual

When to Wear: Tech company interviews, creative industry offices, startup environments

• Nice jeans or dress pants
• Button-down shirt, polo, or nice sweater
• Clean, minimal sneakers or dress shoes
• Optional blazer or cardigan

Industry Guidelines

Virtual Interview Attire

• Dress as you would for in-person (full outfit!)
• Solid colors work best on camera
• Avoid all white or all black
• Ensure clothing contrasts with background
• Check how you look on camera beforehand

Final Appearance Checklist

• Clothing is clean, pressed, and stain-free
• Clothes fit properly
• Shoes are clean and polished
• Hair is neat and styled
• Nails are clean and trimmed
• Minimal fragrance
• Overall appearance is polished

What is an Elevator Pitch?

A brief (30-60 second) self-introduction that explains who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for.

The 4-Part Formula

Complete Examples

Using ChatGPT to Create Your Pitch

Follow-up Prompts:

• "Can you make it more concise?"
• "Can you emphasize my internship experience more?"
• "Can you make it sound more conversational?"
• "Can you create 3 different versions?"

Practice Tips

• Record yourself and watch it back
• Practice in front of mirror
• Present to friends/family for feedback
• Time yourself (30-60 seconds)
• Memorize structure, not word-for-word

Elevator Pitch Checklist

• Clearly states who you are and major
• Includes 1-2 accomplishments with specifics
• Explains what you're looking for
• Ends with engaging question
• Takes 30-60 seconds to deliver
• Sounds natural and conversational
• Demonstrates enthusiasm
• Practiced enough to deliver smoothly

How to Build Skills Section

Finance Major Skills

Accounting Major Skills

Marketing Major Skills

Computer Science Major Skills

Management Major Skills

Information Systems Major Skills

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Listing "Microsoft Office" without specifics
• ❌ Including outdated skills
• ❌ Rating yourself with stars
• ❌ Listing every skill you've touched
• ❌ Using vague terms like "computer skills"
• ❌ Lying about skills

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